Vitamin C to boost my beauty routine
vitamin C or ascorbic acid is a real star in cosmetics! To revitalize the skin, give good glow or fight against the signs of aging … it's a vitamin that has it all.
Why and how to integrate it into your beauty routine? What are the precautions to take with vitamin C? And above all, how do you choose the best vitamin C serum for your skin? We tell you everything!
Do not hesitate to share your questions and comments with us at the end of the article ;)
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Pure vitamin C or derivative of vitamin C?
True or false? Misconceptions about vitamin C
Vitamin C benefits
Vitamin C is a real "Swiss Army knife", it does everything (or almost!) Which explains its success.
Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects the skin from external aggressions responsible for premature skin aging, and neutralizes free radicals.
It is an ally of choice to fight against the effects of stress, pollution or UV on the skin, and prevent the first signs of aging from 25 years old.
Vitamin C anti dull complexion
Ideal for dull complexions or tired skin, vitamin C gives a boost and radiance.
Just as we do a vitamin C treatment in tablets when we lack energy, we draw a good vitamin C treatment for a boost and energizing effect on the skin when it needs it. .
Active anti gray mine by excellent, it is a must for smokers!
Vitamin C against imperfections
Enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, imperfections… vitamin C is a must for improving skin texture. It smoothes the skin texture and tightens pores, while firming and strengthening skin elasticity.
acne-prone skin loves vitamin C, which calms inflammation and promotes healing.
Anti-aging vitamin C
Did you know ? The level of vitamin C in the epidermis naturally decreases with age and external aggressions, hence the benefit of providing it by yourself.
Vitamin C stimulates the production of collagen and cell renewal, it redensifies the skin, reduces existing wrinkles and fine lines and prevents the appearance of news.
Vitamin C anti dark spots
It is also a great ally against pigment spots: vitamin C regulates the production of melanin and brightens the complexion. Whether you have sun-related dark spots or acne scars, this is the place to look!
Vitamine C pure ou dérivés de vitamine C ?
Pure vitamin C is L ascorbic acid, which is the most effective but also the most unstable!
L ascorbic acid oxidizes easily on contact with air, light, heat or water, which makes it difficult to integrate it into an aqueous serum or cream .
We sometimes see vitamin C serums turn brown after a few weeks, which means that its antioxidant powers are no longer active.
Because of this, pure vitamin C serums require a very acidic pH to be effective, and are not always well tolerated by sensitive skin that 'they can irritate.
There are also vitamin C derivatives, which is vitamin C mixed with other molecules to form a stable compound. A little less potent, they have the advantage of oxidizing less easily and being much less irritating.
Among them (attention unpronounceable names) Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate or fat-soluble vitamin C esters, such as ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate.
Finally, vitamin C is naturally present in many fruits that we find in our beauty products, such as citrus fruits, kiwi, kakadu plum or even acai berry.
Vitamin C: we disentangle the true from the false!
Il y a de nombreuses idées reçues sur la vitamine C, on les passe en revue ensemble :
Vitamin C is reserved for the evening: false
On the contrary, it is even advisable to apply a vitamin C serum in the morning under your SPF to boost the effectiveness of your sun protection and the antioxidant defenses of the skin.
Do not confuse photosensitive and photosensitizer: vitamin C can be photosensitive, that is to say it tends to oxidize in light, but it is not photosensitizing: it does not make the skin more sensitive to the sun.
Well formulated, a vitamin C serum can therefore be applied without any risk during the day, to neutralize free radicals and fight against photoaging . Vitamin C can also be used in the evening, for a regenerating, anti-aging and anti-dark spot action.
Vitamin C is unstable: true but ...
As we saw above, vitamin C in its pure form, L ascorbic acid, is very unstable and tends to oxidize easily, but there are derivatives which are more stable forms of vitamin C.
Vitamin C remaining a rather fragile active ingredient, choose amber / dark bottles which protect from light and sun. Store your vitamin C treatments away from light and heat (in the fridge for example), and avoid contact with air (the formats pots are not ideal).
We note that there are powder formulas to activate with water just before applying them to the skin for freshness and optimal conservation: this is the case of holi serum (c) Agent Nateur to mix with holi water bume, or exfoliating and cleansing powders enriched in vitamin C which we present below.
Vitamin C is prohibited for sensitive skin: false
Even sensitive skin can benefit from vitamin C, provided you choose suitable care!
We avoid pure ascorbic acid in high doses and serums with too acidic pH which can actually irritate the skin, to favor derivatives milder of vitamin C.
Do not hesitate to modulate the dosage of vitamin C (by opting for a low concentration, or by mixing its vitamin C treatment with a moisturizer or face oil), the frequency and duration of use (using vitamin C every other day or as a one-off treatment for example).
Choose formulas enriched with hydrating and soothing active ingredients to counterbalance, or prefer a cleanser or a mask with vitamin C rather than a serum.
For the most reactive skin, it is also possible to enjoy its benefits with a pure vegetable oil naturally rich in vitamin C such as kiwi oil , both highly antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
We cannot repeat it enough: each skin is different and you have to listen to your skin. In case of stinging, redness or irritation, stop using your vitamin C serum or opt for another gentler treatment ;)
The higher the dosage of vitamin C the more effective it is: true but ...
There are many debates on the optimal dosage of vitamin C: it would not be effective below 5%, too irritating (even oxidizing) beyond a certain dosage ... not easy to navigate!
In reality clinical studies show results from 0.1% vitamin C, so no need to seek at all costs the highest possible dosage.
Beyond the dosage, it is above all the global formula of the product that matters: the form of vitamin C used and the other active ingredients to inside, as well as its compatibility with your skin type of course.
What is the best vitamin C serum?
Without doubt one of the questions we are asked the most! It all depends on your skin type and the problematic you want to target, remember that what will be effective on one skin will not necessarily be effective on another.
Often vitamin C serums are quite versatile, but here is our guide to help you make the right choice:
Serum with vitamin C for acne-prone skin: holi (c) Agent
A powder serum to activate by mixing it with a little water or (even better) your favorite tonic lotion. We love its ultra simple composition based on calcium and a stable form of vitamin C, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, known for its anti acne properties. Redness and inflammation, persistent imperfections, scars and hyperpigmentation, uneven complexion ... this magic powder treats several problems at the same time, while offering an action antioxidant and anti-aging: it boosts collagen production, reduces fine lines and wrinkles and restores skin elasticity.
Vitamin C serum for hyperpigmentation: High C Lilfox
It is one of our most effective vitamin C serums, which visibly diminishes pigment spots (melasma, dark spots related to the sun or skin aging, acne scars). Containing no less than 15% vitamin C tetra, this highly concentrated serum is also enriched with vitamin E, ferulic acid, niacinamide and acid hyaluronic for formidable efficiency. It is used both in the morning to boost your SPF and in the evening to stimulate collagen synthesis and plump the skin while you sleep.
Anti-aging vitamin C serum: Vital C booster Mukti
Ideal for dry and mature skin, this vitamin C booster is formulated from Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate which stimulates the collagen in synergy with kakadu plum. It protects against environmental aggressions with vitamin E and the antioxidant coenzyme Q10, firms the skin and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and UV damage. The Mukti booster can be used every morning under your usual serum (psst… it works even better in duo with the anti-aging serum and the tinted day cream SPF15 of the same brand)
Anti-dull complexion vitamin C serum: Pf + O Odacity concentrated serum
A true energy cocktail for devitalized skin, it is the “anti hangover” serum that revitalizes and boosts radiance in a few drops. The alliance of passion fruit and orange rich in vitamin C and A comes to the aid of dull skin, asphyxiated, and dull complexions. Mix 2 to 3 drops directly into its moisturizer, or use it alone as an intensive treatment for at least 1 month.
Vitamin C serum for first wrinkles: John Masters Organics Intensive Anti-Aging Serum
Ideal for combating premature skin aging by neutralizing free radicals, this serum concentrated with vitamin C and kakadu plum blurs wrinkles and fine lines but also pigment spots, and tightens pores. Slightly exfoliating, it reveals smoother skin over time and smells deliciously citrus.
7 more ways to boost your skin with vitamin C
In addition to your vitamin C serum, or as a replacement for skin that prefers to use this active only in small touches, opt for a moisturizer , a tonic lotion, a mask or a vitamin scrub.There are many ways to incorporate vitamin C into your beauty routine!
A vitamin C oil?
face oil rich in vitamin C is a healthy glow ally. Softer than a vitamin C serum, it will nourish the skin day and night.
Our favorite is the Siren oil from Leahlani, full of sun and citrus fruits, with an addictive scent! Ideal for combination to oily and acne-prone skin or dull complexions, it illuminates and unifies the complexion by blurring spots and scars, protects against UV damage, and boosts cell renewal.
Fan of slow and minimalist beauty and pure vegetable oils? Go for the Make It Beauty kiwi oil suitable for the most sensitive skin. Rich in natural vitamin C, it refines the skin texture, regenerates and fights against wrinkles, while soothing irritation and redness.
3 vitamin C cleansers to try
Vitamin C is also part of our cleansers, for an instant boost of freshness and radiance.
If you like cleansing gels, the Super Citrus cleanser Eco By Sonya is for you! Based on aloe vera, lemon caviar and lemongrass, it leaves the skin deeply purified without attacking it.
Rather milk than gel? The Bella Aura gentle purifying facial cleanser is a real joy to use, with its captivating scent of orange blossom! It purifies and detoxifies while restoring the protective barrier of the skin to leave it soft, healthy and radiant.
For an exotic beauty ritual opt for the Kalima Leahlani cleansing powder with coconut cream and tropical fruits. Mix with a few drops of water, this treatment can also be applied as a mask to reduce pigment spots.
Which vitamin C scrub to choose?
The ideal is to use an exfoliating powder rich in vitamin C, which you activate just before applying it by mixing it with a little water. No risk of vitamin C oxidizing, the ultra fresh and active treatment is yours!
We love the De Mamiel exfoliating cleansing powder, which leaves the skin ultra soft and luminous, or Staub Namari exfoliating mask to decongest and wake up the complexion, while calming inflammation.
In a ready-made version, opt for the Super Exfoliant with Eco By Sonya Acai, a powerful scrub with magnesium salts, acai berry and coconut, or theMukti resurfacing exfoliant, which offers a double enzymatic and mechanical exfoliation with the alliance of AHA, jojoba beads and bamboo.
Vitamin C in lotion, what is it worth?
Vitamin C tonic lotion helps refresh the complexion at any time of the day, even over makeup.
Among our favorites, the La Perle Okoko mist, a truly exceptional treatment containing micro-encapsulated vitamin C associated with other advanced active ingredients to boost the skin's environmental defenses . A real spray serum!
The best vitamin C mask
There's nothing like a vitamin C mask to boost the radiance of dull and tired skin.
Fan of sheet mask? Fall for the Whamisa fruit hydrogel mask. Kiwi, banana, tomato ... it is a fruit cocktail that revitalizes the skin, leave on for 20 minutes before removing it and massaging the excess like a serum.
Rather honey mask? The Leahlani's Meli Glow is a tropical skin smoothie rich in vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to intensely hydrate, soothe and give glow.
Mature skin will love the Collagen Booster Sheet Mask 100% Pure, a treatment that boosts the production of elastin and fights against the loss of firmness. The skin is radiant and replumped!
My vitamin C cream
Dehydrated skin? The Tata Harper Water Lock Moisturizer with hyaluronic acid, pomegranate and orange peptides rich in vitamin C quenches, plumps and smoothes the skin without silicones. As a bonus, it is 100% rechargeable!
Combination to oily skin, acne? With its oil-free and non-comedogenic formula, theSuper Fruits Eco By Sonya hydrating fluid perfectly moisturizes without greasy effect. Thanks to the extract of wild sloes rich in vitamin C, the complexion is even and radiant.
Mature skin?The Lulu and Boo multi-vitamin cream , rich in omega 3, antioxidants and vitamin C from kiwi fruit, intensely nourishes, reduces fine lines and wrinkles and firms the skin.
Vitamin C for the eye area
Anti-aging, vitamin C is also a great ally for taking care of the eye area, where particularly thin and fragile skin easily marks.
We find it in the Antipodes kiwifruit eye contour which moisturizes and protects without greasy effect, or in L’élixir d’Or Okoko, with a betacarotene complex with antioxidant and anti-aging action.
Your turn!
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